Episode 52: Rabbi Dr. Eugene Korn "To Be a Holy People"

Rabbi Dr. Eugene Korn explores the relevance of Jewish ethics for observant and non-observant Jews, the importance of ethical values in halakha (as a person can technically observe the law and still be a scoundrel), and the need to stand up against religious extremism and violence. What do we make of God seemingly condoning slavery in the Torah? What is the significance of forging a national identity from our own enslavement in Egypt? Rabbi Korn delves into the relationship between Jewish ethics and halakha and whether the mitzvot are moral. He also shares his thoughts on Rambam's universal understanding of Torah and the Jewish attitude towards non-Jews. Furthermore, he addresses the treatment of women in Judaism — most notably, the Agunah (Chained Wife) crisis — one of the most critical issues facing modern Jewish communities today. We also discuss the moral issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, whether to institute the death penalty for terrorists, as well as the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin at the hands of a religious Jewish fundamentalist. On another note, Rabbi Korn cites Rambam's explanation in the Moreh HaNevukhim, where he discusses animal sacrifices and claims that some mitzvot are concessions to the needs of the time. He points out that if there is no longer a need for certain mitzvot, they become inoperative. He explores how this idea applies to other mitzvot that appear outdated today, such as executing heretics, targeting civilians in a milhemet mitzvah, and the status of all gentiles as idol worshippers.In conclusion, Rabbi Korn emphasizes that the Torah is a real partnership between God and the Jewish people, as the rabbis have the right and responsibility to interpret it as best they see fit within certain limits. This is the real meaning of the dictum "lo ba-shamayim hi" (not in heaven). Otherwise, the Jewish people would be glorified robots who are only called upon to obey at all times. This is a long-overdue and relevant discussion, and we thank Rabbi Korn for having the courage to address certain uncomfortable issues for the sake of the continuity of the central values of the Torah: justice and compassion.